Ex-soldier, 57, strangled his wife to death after wrongly fearing she was going to leave him just one year into their marriage, court hears

A former soldier allegedly strangled his wife in their bedroom after becoming consumed by the paranoid belief that she was planning to leave him, a court has heard.Michael Davies, 57, is accused of murdering his wife Tracey Davies, 48, at the couple's home in Cefn Cribwr, near Bridgend, South Wales, just a year after they married.The beloved mother was found slumped across the bed by concerned relatives who went to the cottage after she failed to turn up for a concert.Davies had been working as a private security guard in Abu Dhabi but returned to Wales in the weeks before Tracey's death after suffering mental health problems.Prosecutors allege that, after coming home, he became increasingly convinced his wife was about to 'go off'.The former soldier had searched online for ways of dealing with paranoia and jealousy, including 'how to stop being jealous in a relationship'.Other searches included: 'how to fight paranoia', 'paranoia self care', 'types of mental health problems', 'how to stop paranoia thoughts', 'how to stop paranoia thoughts in a relationship'.Mark Cotter KC, prosecuting, told Newport Crown Court that Davies killed his wife by strangling her on the bed before turning a knife on himself. Michael Davies, 57, is accused of murdering his wife Tracey Davies, 48, at the couple's home in Cefn Cribwr, near Bridgend, South Wales, just a year after they married The beloved mother was found slumped across the bed by concerned relatives who went to the cottage after she failed to turn up for a concertHe said: 'Davies killed his wife Tracey Davies by strangling her. He did this on the bed in the bedroom of the house they shared together. He then stabbed himself.'The court heard police were called to the couple's home after Tracey was found dead in the bedroom.Davies had suffered self-inflicted stab wounds and is also alleged to have taken an overdose of painkillers following the killing.The defendant left the Army in 2023 before taking up security work in Abu Dhabi.He returned to Wales on April 11 last year, with the court hearing that his return was linked to mental health issues.Davies, who was married to Tracey for around a year before her death, admits manslaughter by diminished responsibility but denies murder.Tracey, formerly Tracey Young, was remembered by her family as a woman whose warmth and humour made her the centre of family life.In a tribute, they said: 'In loving memory of Tracey, an extraordinary woman whose strength, love, and humour touched every life she encountered.'She was a devoted mother, a cherished sister, a loyal friend, and a radiant presence whose laughter could light up any room. Davies, who was married to Tracey for around a year before her death, admits manslaughter by diminished responsibility but denies murder'Her unwavering support, fierce spirit, and boundless compassion made her the heart of her family and a second mum to many.'Whether through a perfectly timed joke, a warm cwtch, or simply being there, she gave so much of herself to others.'Her children were her greatest pride, and she fought for them with unmatched devotion.'Though the ache of her absence is immense, her legacy lives on in the love she gave and the lives she changed. Nothing compares to her, and she will be loved, missed, and remembered always.'The trial continues.